Law enforcement provides tips for protecting yourself against being carjacked

Photo provided by MGN Online.

KADN staff

Tuesday, June 25, 2013 - 10:34am

Louisiana — While there is no guaranteed way to avoid being carjacked, certain precautions can be taken to reduce or minimize the potential. Theft related crimes are more common during the summer months. Be proactive and follow the tips below provided by the New Orleans Police Department.

While Driving Your Vehicle

Plan your route

Don’t drive in unfamiliar areas, avoid trouble spots

Keep your doors locked and windows up

Look in the rear view mirror often

Observe 180 degrees around you

Keep packages, purse, etc. on the vehicle floor rather than on the seat where they are easier to see.

Be observant as you approach an area or intersection

If a suspicious looking person approaches your vehicle, drive away carefully — even if you must go through a traffic light.

Don’t “drift off” when stopped —— Stay Alert

If you are driving home, and there is someone walking down the street you don’t recognize, drive around the block and come back after that person has left.

If bumped from behind, motion for the other driver to follow, drive to the nearest Police/Fire 24 hour station. Notify the Police

When stopping to use ATM’s, choose a well-lighted and highly visible area

Keep your vehicle in good working order and with plenty of gas

When stopping in traffic, leave enough distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you, so you can pull away quickly if necessary.

If Confronted While Stopped

Don’t panic

Avoid verbal/physical confrontation

If pulled from your car or confronted while in your car, cooperate —— move away quickly

Walk/run away from the immediate area

Call the Police immediately

If you have a cellular phone, call for help

Give a description of your car and the suspect(s).

Option to Consider

Have a plan —— do something, just don’t sit there

When confronted by a suspect(s):

Drive away with caution —— usually a right turn is safest. If traffic prohibits this, use the sidewalk or yard, etc.

Be extra cautious when someone approaches your car and asks you for information. If you must talk to them, do so with the window up, the doors locked and ready to drive away if necessary.

Call the Police immediately.

Getting Out of Your Vehicle

Park in a well-lighted area

Park near a main aisle

Park in an outside parking lot with an attendant if possible

If you suspect something is wrong, don’t stop

Always park where you have a 360 degree view around you

Be aware of your surroundings before you get out

Use your auto alarm, if you have one, as a personal safety device

Carry an additional personal safety device or alarm

Roll up your windows before parking

Leave your doors locked until you have observed your surroundings and are ready to exit your vehicle

Take your keys with you and have them ready in your hand

Move quickly away from your car

At home, make sure the garage door is down before exiting

Keep your car in working order at all times

If Confronted Getting Out of Your Vehicle

Avoid verbal/physical confrontations

Cooperate —— move away quickly

Walk/run away from the immediate area

Call the Police immediately

Give the car description

Give the suspect description

If at all possible, never go with the suspect(s)

Remember, the primary rule: “If a gunman wants your car, give it up.”

Getting Into Your Vehicle

Park in a well-lighted area at night

Be aware of your surroundings (360 degrees)

Appear confident and assertive

Walk with someone to your car (friend, co-workers, escort)

Keep a free hand when approaching your car

Have your keys ready

Separate your car keys from other keys in case you need to go back to a place of safety.

Look for anyone near your car or near you.

Check the exterior of your car

Check the interior of your car before entering

At home, lock car doors before opening the garage door to leave

Use your auto alarm, if you have one, as a personal safety device

Carry an additional personal safety device or alarm

Keep your car in working order at all times (tires, fluids, oil, maintenance, etc.)

Never let the gas tank get below half full

If Confronted Getting Into Your Vehicle

Avoid any verbal/physical confrontations

Cooperate —— move away quickly away from your car

Walk/run away from the immediate area

Call the Police immediately

Give the car description

Give the suspect(s) description

Remember

Anyone can be a victim

Your safety is your responsibility

Have a plan and share it with your passengers

If at all possible, never go with the suspect(s)

If a gunman wants your car, give it up. It’s not worth your life!

If or when an incident occurs, only you can make a decision as to what action to take. Every situation is different and must be evaluated accordingly. Remember your safety is most important.

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